One day in the year of 1997, two people met and formed a band. In June of 1999, SANTARA became the name that Kyoko (vocalist) and Sunada (guitarist) would call themselves. Santara means "citrus fruits" in the Hindu language. There is also a Spanish proverb, “an orange that is cut in two” which holds the meaning “'one' with two people." The meaning matches the world view Kyoko and Sunada aim for. (Sunada majored in Spanish while working part-time at an Indian restaurant) Various musics, like Blues, Folk, Jug, Country, etc., influence them. Their sound has been described as "evolving folk blues." They are also noted for excellent songwriting, performances, and atmosphere.